Part 148 (1/2)

ILLO (who has been standing in the att.i.tude of meditation, to BUTLER, whom he leads a little on one side).

And how came you to know That the Count Gallas joins us not?

BUTLER.

Because He importuned me to remain behind.

ILLO (with warmth).

And you? You hold out firmly!

[Grasping his hand with affection.

n.o.ble Butler!

BUTLER.

After the obligation which the duke Had laid so newly on me----

ILLO.

I had forgotten A pleasant duty--major-general, I wish you joy!

ISOLANI.

What, you mean, of this regiment?

I hear, too, that to make the gift still sweeter, The duke has given him the very same In which he first saw service, and since then Worked himself step by step, through each preferment, From the ranks upwards. And verily, it gives A precedent of hope, a spur of action To the whole corps, if once in their remembrance An old deserving soldier makes his way.

BUTLER.

I am perplexed and doubtful whether or no I dare accept this your congratulation.

The emperor has not yet confirmed the appointment.

ISOLANI.

Seize it, friend, seize it! The hand which in that post Placed you is strong enough to keep you there, Spite of the emperor and his ministers!

ILLO.

Ay, if we would but so consider it!-- If we would all of us consider it so!

The emperor gives us nothing; from the duke Comes all--whate'er we hope, whate'er we have.

ISOLANI (to ILLO).

My n.o.ble brother! did I tell you how The duke will satisfy my creditors?

Will be himself my bankers for the future, Make me once more a creditable man!

And this is now the third time, think of that!

This kingly-minded man has rescued me From absolute ruin and restored my honor.

ILLO.

Oh that his power but kept pace with his wishes!

Why, friend! he'd give the whole world to his soldiers.

But at Vienna, brother!--here's the grievance,-- What politic schemes do they not lay to shorten His arm, and where they can to clip his pinions.

Then these new dainty requisitions! these Which this same Questenberg brings. .h.i.ther!

BUTLER.

Ay!

Those requisitions of the emperor-- I too have heard about them; but I hope The duke will not draw back a single inch!